A Musical Setting of Psalm 130 — Renee Roederer

Image Description: The sun shines low on the horizon over a dark ocean. Public Domain.

Many years ago, I set Psalm 130 to music for congregational singing. On Sunday, this psalm will be read as part of the Revised Common Lectionary. These words seem so fitting for the emotions of these days.

An audio recording is above, and the psalm text is listed below.

Psalm 130 (New Revised Standard Version)

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
   Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.